PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE

Build out and use this table to study any and all drugs you encounter in your study and on the job. Keep a small notebook
with you to be able to write drugs down in the moment encountered and then plug them into the template by body system
and drug class. This will help you to study in an organized manner. Try to review 2-3 drug classes / subclasses daily (at
least once when getting ready for your day, at least once on your meal break, and then check for retention at end of
your day). This helps you break the study into smaller sections for better retention.

Nervous system

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Neuro/Psych

Class Sub class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations
benzodiazepine antianxiolytics Lorazepam
s Alprazolam
Antiypsychotics

Respiratory

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations
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Cardiovascular

Class Sub class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations
antihypertensive Beta Blocks beta- HTN Acebutolol (Sectral) Changes in HR Assess vital signs
blocker adrenergic Atenolol Hypotension Take with meals
Receptors Angina (Tenormin) Bronchospasm
Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Monitor blood glucose of
Decreases SVT Metoprolol Enhanced hypoglycemic diabetics
excitability/workload (Lopressor, Toprol- effects of insulin and oral May lower need for insulin
of heart XL) hypoglycemics Assess for s/s hypoglycemia
Nadolol (Corgard)
Reduces cardiac Nebivolol (Bystolic) CONTRAINDICATED: Chronic
output through Propranolol Masks signs of shock and bronchitis, asthma
reducing heart rate (Inderal LA, hypoglycemia
InnoPran XL)
Calcium
channel
blocker
ACE
inhibitor

Endocrine

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Reproductive

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations
 PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE

Liver/Pancreas

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Gastro-Intestinal

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Genito-Urinary

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects /Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Immune/Lymphatic

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects /Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations
antibiotics aminoglycosides They stop Aminoglycosides gentamicin, Nephrotoxic Cross allergy to sulfites
bacteria from are called amikacin, (often found in certain
producing bactericidal tobramycin, Ototoxic: hearing loss, ringing or wines and dried fruits)
proteins needed antibiotics neomycin, and buzzing, feeling of fullness in the
for their because they kill streptomycin ears including problems with Monitor kidney function,
survival. bacteria balance or weakness esp. in presence of
directly. (clumsiness or unsteadiness) concomitant use of loop
diuretics
uncontrollable eye movements;
 PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
increased thirst; needing to Monitor vision and
urinate more or less frequently hearing for changes.
than usual
skin rash or itchiness
unusual drowsiness, nausea,
vomiting, loss of appetite

Skeletal system

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Muscular system

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects /Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Integumentary system (skin)

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects /Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations

Oncological/Radiological Meds

Class Sub-class Action Uses Medications Side Effects/Adverse Effect Nursing Considerations
PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE